Palmeiras forward Jesus, regarded as one of Brazil's biggest emerging talents, has quickly attracted the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs after scoring 16 goals in 28 games in the 2016 season.

Inter have now officially thrown their hat into the ring. The Nerazzurri's efforts to sign the youngster will be bolstered by the takeover of the club by Chinese retail giant Suning, who – at a press conference on Tuesday – unveiled a "five-year investment plan" to return the Italian giants to its former glory

On the subject of new players, club president Erick Thohir said: "Suning are looking at bringing in Gabriel Jesus. We are also monitoring Domenico Beradi and Antonio Candreva."

Jesus' agent Cristiano Simões has previously suggested any club trying to sign his client will be expected to meet his €40m (£33.2m) release clause.

Jesus has a growing number of clubs eager to bring him to Europe, however. Catalan daily Sport reported this month Barcelona had launched an opening offer for the player, while Marca now suggest Real Madrid have moved into pole position to sign the 19-year-old.

The rising star of South American football was this week given a ringing endorsement over his burgeoning potential by Brazil legend Ronaldo, who earmarked the youngster to follow in his footsteps.

"I am a fan of his," Ronaldo told TVGlobo. "I watch him and I see myself when I was younger. I see the similarities. He is very young and already has had a lot of success and so much responsibility. He has a footballing career ahead of him, we are already loving what he is doing."

Jesus will be part of the Brazil team looking to win gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.